Female Beekeeper Spotlight: Meet Kailee Habat

Every beekeeper starts somewhere.

For Kailee Habat of Charleston, South Carolina, it started with curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a fascination with the tiny pollinators that play such an important role in our world. After completing the Charleston Area Beekeepers Association (CABA) course in early 2026, she welcomed her very first nuc that spring and hasn't looked back.

Although she's just beginning her beekeeping journey, Kailee has already discovered what so many beekeepers know: every hive inspection brings a new lesson, every challenge builds confidence, and every success feels incredibly rewarding.

We're excited to feature Kailee in this month's Female Beekeeper Spotlight.

A Fascination That Became a Passion

Long before she became a beekeeper, bees always seemed drawn to Kailee.

"I've always thought bees and all the benefits they provide for the world are fascinating," she shared. "Before getting into beekeeping, bees would just land on me and crawl around. I figured, why not try something new, learn a lot, and give back to the bee world and our planet?"

That curiosity eventually led her to the CABA beginner course, where she learned the fundamentals of caring for honey bees and found a mentor in Jeometry™ founder Jenna York.

Today, Kailee keeps bees as a hobby, but her impact reaches far beyond her own backyard.

Making a Difference, One Hive at a Time

For Kailee, beekeeping is about more than producing honey. "It's making a difference," she says. By caring for her colony, she knows she's helping pollinate native flowers, local gardens, and nearby crops throughout Charleston.

Every day, thousands of bees leave her hive to forage across a roughly three-mile radius before returning home, a reminder that even one healthy hive can have a meaningful impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

Celebrating the Small Wins

Ask any beekeeper about their first season, and they'll tell you it's filled with unforgettable moments. For Kailee, there have been plenty. Spotting her queen affectionately named Beeyanca for the first time is one she'll never forget. So is discovering frames packed with capped honey much earlier than she ever expected.

"I wasn't expecting to collect honey at all this year," she says. "Seeing frames full of beautiful capped honey was so exciting." Those moments remind her that patience, observation, and good hive management really do pay off.

Learning Along the Way

Like every new beekeeper, Kailee has also faced challenges. Learning to read brood frames, recognize what she's seeing inside the hive, and manage hive beetles have all been part of the learning curve.

She also quickly discovered something many first-year beekeepers don't anticipate: deep brood boxes are heavy. "I underestimated how heavy the deep boxes get when they're full," she laughs. Thankfully, beekeeping has become something she shares with her husband, making hive inspections a team effort and giving them the opportunity to learn together.

Encouraging More Women to Keep Bees

One of the things Kailee appreciates most about beekeeping is having female mentors she feels comfortable learning from. "It's been great to have Jenna as a female mentor and learn from her approach. I always feel comfortable asking her questions."

Her advice for women considering beekeeping? "Go for it! It's been such an awesome learning experience. I'd recommend doing it with a friend or partner. It's great to have someone to bounce ideas off of, compare hives, and have multiple sets of eyes and hands."

Why Kailee Chose the Jeometry™ Sunny Suit

Kailee first discovered Jeometry™ while taking her CABA course. She was immediately drawn to the suit because it looked breathable, thoughtfully designed, and perhaps most importantly, made specifically for women. Today, some of her favorite features are the practical details that make hive inspections easier.

"I love all of the different pockets. The front pouch is great to hold your phone. You can even film from there if you want video." She also appreciates how the Sunny Suit performs during Charleston's hot, humid summers. "It looks and feels special. It's comfortable and keeps you as cool as possible on the scorching summer days."

Looking Ahead

Although she's only in her first year of beekeeping, Kailee's enthusiasm is contagious. She's embracing every lesson, celebrating every milestone, and proving that you don't have to be a lifelong beekeeper to make a meaningful impact.

Every experienced beekeeper was once a beginner. We're honored to be part of Kailee's journey and can't wait to see where the bees take her next. Follow Kailee's beekeeping adventures on Instagram at @kailhabat.

The Future of Beekeeping is Female

Our Female Beekeeper Spotlight series is an ongoing monthly feature honoring women shaping the future of beekeeping. Educators, professionals, hobbyists, and visionaries alike.

Because the future of beekeeping isn’t just buzzing.

She’s leading it. 💛